Once faced with a cancer diagnosis, a little help goes a long way. You may feel overwhelmed and have many questions, or you may not even know where to begin or what questions to ask. The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a variety of information and programs to support patients, caregivers and family members throughout diagnosis and treatment.

Komen Puget Sound has been working with the metastatic breast cancer community to identify opportunities for support, engagement and education. Last year, it helped to organize the first annual conference for individuals living with metastatic disease in the Northwest. In 2017, it will build on the success of the initial conference and expand its reach, based on the feedback that was received via conference evaluation and input from the community.

When Tina Vitolo-Kester received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2016, she wanted her treatment to move fast and so it did. During the time in which she had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, other health problems emerged that were unforeseen. She had a heart attack during a procedure. Shocked to find herself in the Intensive Care Unit, she was concerned that this turn of events would set her treatment plan back. Things got back on track as soon as possible. As treatment and healing took top priority, Tina’s employer was unable to wait for her return and dismissed her from her job.

Having a cancer diagnosis is difficult for anyone at any age or stage of life. If you have children at home, things can be a bit more complicated. Parenting is not something that can be put on hold (not unlike cancer) so it is important to understand strategies for handling cancer and children at the same time.

Union, Washington, may not be on your regular route but there is something there that should be investigated by anyone touched by cancer. Now led by Executive Director Eric Blegen and founded in 1987 by Gretchen Schodde, MN, ARPN, FNP-BC, Harmony Hill is a place designed “to transform the lives of those affected by cancer and to inspire healthy living for all.” Through retreats and other courses, you can partake in the healing spirit that is present in the wooded landscape overlooking the Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal. Difficult to believe but true — retreats are provided at no cost to the attendees. Harmony Hill has generous donors who believe in the mission and want to support those with cancer

Swedish is putting everything we can into achieving a perfect child vaccination rate. Learn more about what that means from Nwando Anyaoku, M.D., MPH, associate medical director for pediatrics at Swedish.

Football season begins in a few short weeks; not only for the NFL but schools, as well. In September, kids across America will eagerly sign up for football and other contact sports. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to understand the associated health risks, particularly concussion. Learn more in this interview with Ronan Cahill, a family and sports medicine doctor at Swedish Spine Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer are profoundly affected by physical and emotional effects of the disease and the treatment process. Acupuncture treatment is one modality that can provide therapeutic benefit for a wide range of symptoms, including pain, nausea, mood and sleep disturbance, and weakened immune system.

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About Swedish

Since 1910, Swedish has been the Seattle area's hallmark for excellence in hospitals and health care. Swedish is consistently named the Seattle area's best hospital, with the best doctors, nurses and overall care in a variety of specialty areas. Learn more.